Dreams of space travel are taking on a new dimension with the Hyperion contest. Architects and engineers are invited to design a self-sustaining habitat capable of surviving centuries in the vastness of space. $10,000 is up for grabs—want to participate?
The concept of a "generation starship" is simple at first glance but incredibly challenging to execute. These massive structures would host several hundred people for durations of up to 250 years, the time needed to reach a potentially habitable exoplanet. Their unique feature: sustaining a self-sufficient society long after launch.
The limitations of current technologies complicate interstellar ambitions. Chemical engines, even optimized, are too slow. Alternatives like fusion propulsion or laser light-based propulsion promise speeds of up to 20% of the speed of light, but they are far from being economically viable for crewed spacecraft.
To overcome these hurdles, Hyperion invites participants to envision structures capable of supporting human needs for centuries. These "world-ships" would include simulated Earth-like habitats, artificial gravity, and advanced resource recycling systems. A mission that is as much about science as it is about sociology.
On a technical level, challenges abound. The spacecraft must shield its passengers from cosmic radiation, micrometeoroids, and interstellar dust. The interior, meanwhile, must be adaptable, ensuring optimal living conditions despite material degradation and evolving needs over multiple generations.
Maintaining genetic diversity is another critical issue. Simulations indicate that at least 98 individuals are necessary to avoid the harmful effects of inbreeding. A cryogenic genetic material bank may also prove essential to ensure the health of future generations.
But technology alone isn't enough. The competition places a strong emphasis on social aspects: organizing collective life, preserving cultures, and managing tensions in a confined space. Each participant is required to integrate social science experts to address these challenges.
A closed society will inevitably lose some of its Earth-bound points of reference. How can the crew avoid forgetting its origins, values, or even its initial mission? Educational protocols and digital archives will likely prove crucial in preserving this collective memory.
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Hyperion contest, sponsored by the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is), closes its registration on December 15. With a $10,000 prize at stake, it's not just an intellectual exercise—it's a way to lay the foundation for interstellar colonization. The selected projects will be announced in June 2025: the winner will receive $5,000, the second prize is $3,000, and third place will take $2,000.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND